Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a crusial document when you consider applying for a Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) visa. One ECA is the procedure that confirms that your education obtained in other countries is equal to that of the same level or field in Canada. It thus arises that the ECA will favour your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system.
What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
An ECA is a report that evaluates your foreign educational qualifications and university recognition in Canada or the USA, comparing them to those recognized in Canada. ECA is the primary document for skilled migrants who want to apply under:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Without an ECA, you can not create your application under the Express Entry program.
Authorized Bodies for ECA in Canada
Only designated organizations can provide a valid ECA report. Here are the five approved bodies:
- World Education Services (WES) – Most popular, faster processing
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta
- Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – For medical professionals
Note: If you’re applying under the Physicians/Nurses stream, MCC or NNAS (for nurses) is required.
Eligibility Criteria for ECA
- You must have completed at least a secondary school diploma.
- The degree/diploma must be from a recognized institution.
- If you have multiple degrees, you can get the highest one assessed for maximum CRS points.
Benefits of ECA for Canada PR
✅ Boosts CRS Score – Higher education = More points
✅ Mandatory for Express Entry – No ECA = No education points
✅ Improves Job Prospects – Canadian employers recognize your qualifications
✅ Fast-Track Processing – Some ECAs (like WES) are quicker
Step-by-Step ECA Process
1. Choose the Right ECA Organisation
- WES (Fastest, 20-35 days)
- IQAS (Takes 12-14 weeks)
- CES (Around 12 weeks)
2. Check Document Requirements
- Degree certificates & mark sheets
- Transcripts (sealed & sent directly by the university)
- Medium of instruction certificate (if applicable)
3. Submit Application & Pay Fees
- WES Fee: ~ CAD 250
- IQAS Fee: ~ CAD 200
- CES Fee: ~ CAD 220
4. Send Documents to ECA Body
- Universities must send transcripts directly to the ECA agency.
5. Receive ECA Report
- WES: 20-35 days
- IQAS: 12-14 weeks
- CES: 12 weeks
ECA Document Checklist
✔ Degree/Diploma Certificate (Attested)
✔ Academic Transcripts (Sealed & Sent by University)
✔ Passport Copy
✔ Translation (If documents are not in English/French)
Latest Updates on ECA (2024)
- WES now accepts digital transcripts from select universities.
- IQAS has reduced processing time from 20 to 12-14 weeks.
- CES requires all documents in a single package.
1. World Education Services (WES) Canada
🌐 Website: https://www.wes.org/ca/
📌 Most popular, fastest processing (~20-35 days)
2. International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta
🌐 Website: https://www.alberta.ca/iqas.aspx
📌 Takes about 12 to14 weeks
3. Comparative Education Service (CES) – University of Toronto
🌐 Website: https://learn.utoronto.ca/ces
📌 Processing time: ~12 weeks
4. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
🌐 Website: https://www.icascanada.ca/
📌 Longer processing time (take up to 15 weeks)
5. Medical Council of Canada (MCC) – For Doctors
🌐 Website: https://mcc.ca/
📌 Required for physicians applying through Express Entry
6. Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) – For Nurses
🌐 Website: https://www.nnas.ca/
📌 Mandatory for nurses seeking licensure in Canada
Which ECA Body Should You Choose?
- Fastest Option: WES (~20-35 days)
- For Alberta PNP: IQAS
- For Medical Professionals: MCC or NNAS
Need help selecting the right ECA provider? Visas Abroad Services LLP can guide you!
📞 Contact: +91-9990744666
Note: Keep up to date with the latest information about the visa or the new Website before submitting your application, as processing and requirements may change.
Conclusion
Taking up an ECA is obligatory if you are interested in Canada, PR and picking the right agency is the most important thing. With the assistance of Visas Abroad Services LLP, you will be able to evade traffic and increase the value of your CRS score. Often, the immigration process to Canada is not smooth, but you can give yourself a head start by commencing the ECA procedure today!
Need Help? Contact Visas Abroad Services LLP for a free consultation! 🚀
